Cost of Living in Franklin County, Massachusetts

$1,169/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$303,400

Median Home Value

25% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,169/mo

25% below state average

Median Home Value

$303,400

8% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

33.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Franklin County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Franklin County$1,169/mo

Massachusetts Average$1,558/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,169/mo

Median Gross Rent

$303,400

Median Home Value

$1,349/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

33.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Franklin County, Massachusetts

Franklin hits Massachusetts affordability sweet spot

Franklin County renters spend 19.3% of their income on housing—matching Massachusetts' state average exactly and beating the national average. With a median household income of $72,584 and rent at $1,169 monthly, Franklin delivers solid affordability for a New England county.

Franklin holds the middle ground statewide

Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% ties Massachusetts' state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the affordability pack. Its $1,169 median rent undercuts the state median by $389, making Franklin a reasonable housing value without ranking as the state's most expensive.

Western Massachusetts affordability cluster

Franklin's $1,169 rent sits between Berkshire's bargain $1,042 and Hampshire's $1,332, reflecting western Massachusetts' generally lower housing costs. Home values of $303,400 align closely with Berkshire's ($283,800), marking this region as the state's most affordable.

Housing takes roughly one-fifth of income

Renters here allocate 19.3% of their $72,584 income to $1,169 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 22.4% to a $1,349 monthly payment on homes worth $303,400. Franklin offers balanced affordability for both renters and buyers alike.

Rural charm with reasonable housing economics

Franklin County combines western Massachusetts' natural beauty with average housing affordability—neither a bargain nor a burden. If you're relocating from Boston or the Cape, Franklin delivers real cost savings and strong community value; compare it with nearby Berkshire for an even better deal.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Franklin County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

19.3%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,694

per month

Owner Cost Burden

22.3%

of gross income

The median home in Franklin County may be a stretch

Median home value is $303,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,422 vs. your max of $1,694.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.3%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Franklin County, Massachusetts?

Franklin County, Massachusetts has a median monthly rent of $1,169/mo and a median home value of $303,400. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 33.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Franklin County?

The median gross rent in Franklin County is $1,169/mo. This is 25% below state average for Massachusetts.

Is Franklin County affordable?

Franklin County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 33.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Franklin County's rent compare to the state average?

Franklin County's median rent of $1,169/mo is 25% below state average of $1,558/mo for Massachusetts.

What is the median home value in Franklin County?

The median home value in Franklin County, Massachusetts is $303,400. This is 8% above the national median home value of $281,900.